To keep ropes from fouling the propeller, some motor boats

[chuzzlewit]

have a horizontal steel bar projecting aft from the keel below the prop. My Merry Fisher 805 doesn't have one, but some do. Are they a good idea?

 

[Firefly625]

My hardy has a protected skeg, certainly helps avoid rope entanglement, however does not eradicate the chances of a rope fouling the prop, we got a rope caught round the prop in thorness bay last year, but dealt with by rope cutter and all was well.

We have a stainless steel keel protector extending aft to the bottom of the SS rudder.

 

[Racingfrank7]

I am a little confused on what you mean,
We used to have a 805 and that had a skeg on her like all 805's are meant to but like above it wasn't there to protect from ropes.
Only thing that can help prevent that is a rope cutter.

 

[chuzzlewit]

I am a little confused on what you mean,
We used to have a 805 and that had a skeg on her like all 805's are meant to but like above it wasn't there to protect from ropes.
Only thing that can help prevent that is a rope cutter.

It's a horizontal 5' steel bar projecting aft from the bottom of the trailing edge of the keel. If it's not there to keep ropes off the prop, maybe it's to protect it from rocks.

 

[Matt341]

I believe it's an optional skeg to allow the boat to take the ground without damaging the prop and shaft. I know it was an option on the 925 so would assume the same applied to the 805.

 

[whisper]

I believe it's an optional skeg to allow the boat to take the ground without damaging the prop and shaft. I know it was an option on the 925 so would assume the same applied to the 805.

Agreed, it's for protecting the prop from "hard bits".